A loophole in new rules designed to protect mobile customers from exit penalties when leaving their firm mid-contract allows networks to still hit them with a fine.

In January, regulator Ofcom introduced reforms to allow customers with ‘fixed-price’ contracts facing price rises to leave without a fee. But some phone firms are using small print to get round the rules.

Companies who warn customers of the inflation-linked pay hike in plenty of time are allowed to levy the penalties.

New rules: In January, regulator Ofcom introduced reforms to allow customers with fixed-price contracts facing price rises to leave without a fee

Under these rules, from 2015 EE is to hike bills for customers who joined after March 26 this year.

It also introduced a 2.7 per cent rise from May 28 for those who joined before January 23.

The reforms followed an Ofcom review into the fairness of contract price terms. This found that many consumers, in particular, were caught unawares by price rises in what they believed to be fixed price contracts.

To improve protection for consumers and small businesses, Ofcom issued new Guidance for providers.

It sets out that if a provider wishes to increase the monthly subscription price (or prices) agreed by the customer at point of sale, customers should be given at least one month’s notice of the increase and be allowed to exit the contract without penalty.

It also states that any changes to contract terms, pricing or otherwise, must be communicated clearly and transparently.